Monday, November 26, 2007

Lazer Genesis Helmet

I've had my Lazer helmet just over a year now, and I really love it. It's different because the "RollSys" retention system is adjustable via a roller on the top of the shell. The roller pulls against a pad system around the inside circumference of the helmet for a nice, even pressured fit. I've used it on the road and off without any problems.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

BMC Superstroke 01

This is BMC's flagship all-mountain bike and I'm going to put an emphasis on all-mountain. Having ridden it only a hand full of times its hard to say exactly what this bike is capable of, but right off the bat I can tell you that it is built to take a beating. With 150mm(5.75") of rear travel huge CNC machined linkages combined with large Swiss sealed bearings and a bottom bracket that appears to have girth rivaling that of a DH bike but on a surprisingly light and very fast pedaling bike. The Superstroke utilizes what BMC calls VPS suspension design which is essentially the same as e13's world renowned DW link. This feature separates pedaling forces and braking and rider inertia from suspension movement making it climb and accelerate with a tight stiff feel while still absorbing the terrain.



All the bikes we carry have been subjected to a "staff review." This involves Jason and at least one other staff member pretty much staring at a bike for an hour or so discussing its intended use, strengths and weaknesses, and in the case of the Superstroke we came up with build options ranging from lightweight cross-country to a build where we could race Downhill on a sub 35lb bike. The build we chose for this bike is perfect for the do-it-all mindset using some of the toughest and lightest parts available, but if you want to aim the bike in another direction we will build you one that fits your needs. If you're in the market for any type of mountain bike you really have to come check out the Superstroke 01 you can't miss it, it's the sweet orange and chrome bike when you walk in the shop. Look for a more in-depth review this spring once I've put in some time on the trails as I will be buying one.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Blk Mrkt Mob

After borrowing one a trail/park bike from Matt for a while, I decided to get my own, and thought there could be nothing cooler than the Mob from Blk Mrkt. My decision was based off of the pedigree of the frame; it's made by S&M for Carter Holland's 26 inch company. I've always felt really comfortable riding S&M's frames like the Dirt Jump Classic, so I thought it would be a safe bet. And hey, there's nothing wrong with American made!

There are two dropout types available, I went with the horizontal because I wanted to run single speed for park riding, and figured that a Saint derailleur specific to horizontal dropouts could be installed later. The bike is designed to work in a variety of situations including dirt, skateparks, street and 4X.

Riding it at Ollies Skatepark in Florence, I immediately felt more at ease and capable. By the end of my first ride, I was able to do some taller lunges and getting 180's down-pat. I even took it with me on a trip to Brian Head, Utah and did a few large decent trails which made me regret not installing a front brake as I overshot some switchbacks. All in all the bike was very easy to control and would roll over anything, even with the 100mm Manitou up front, due in part to the 69 degree head-tube angle. I did crash into a huge rock behind hidden in a field as friends watched and laughed, but the good ol' US powdercoat finish didn't even scratch to the steel.

I did set up another Mob for Brandon for the Utah trip with the horizontal dropouts and Saint rear derailluer, which works great. He did opt for front and rear brakes, which wasn't a bad call as he was able to dust me on the decents.